All species, including the common garden lettuce to some extent, have mild sedative properties. The Lactucas may be used to help relieve nervousness and irritability and in some cases may be helpful in relieving insomnia. This herb is especially useful for children when they are sick and irritable and have trouble resting enough to recuperate. Lactuca is bitter, though, and will probably need to be sweetened with honey for taste when given to children.

Lactuca has also been noted as an anodyne and used to relieve mild pain. It can be helpful in arthritis or rheumatism, and in menstrual cramps, it can be added to other herbs for pain relief.

In general, the wild lettuces are gentle in action and can be helpful whenever a mild sedative, tranquilizing action is desired.

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